School letter for appeal

[Mstiva]

Evening all we have received the schools letter saying why a place wasn’t granted one reason it says is that the school can’t accommodate another child is because the dining areas will be overcrowded yet the letter also states the school is under capacity and because PAN for the year is full they can’t take anymore children. I’ve asked how this is possible if school is under capacity and other year groups have exceeded pan previously. It also states there is 8 classes/tutors with 226 pupils so 2 classes/tutors I assume will run with 29 pupils the remaining 6 with 28 pupils but says another pupil will put strain on tutors I’m not sure how?

(not an expert)

is that the school can’t accommodate another child is because the dining areas will be overcrowded yet the letter also states the school is under capacity

that appears to contradict, unless they eat by year group

and because PAN for the year is full they can’t take anymore children.

which is just standard argument

It also states there is 8 classes/tutors with 226 pupils so 2 classes/tutors I assume will run with 29 pupils the remaining 6 with 28 pupils but says another pupil will put strain on tutors I’m not sure how

I agree

Their case doesn't seem all that strong. Have you got your case sorted?

That is one of the arguments yet if they did eat by year group there is other year groups with more children than this years PAN already at the school.
I’ve replied to the school letter my questions asking about these issues they brought up and awaiting a response

Don't worry too much about the specifics - that's the panels job. If their case isn't strong the panel will identify and potentially work in your favour. You do need to think about what happens if it doesn't and have a plan b.

I agree that sounds like a fairly standard case, and it it may well be that the panel decide that class sizes in that year group could be upped by one (or even two) each without significant detriment

There may be lots of appellants. The panel may well decide the school can admit some more pupils, but that might not mean every appellant can be fitted in. So you very much need to show why your DC needs to be among them.

What does the appealed-for school offer that with be of major benefit to your DC (and not available from current offered school)

They have to say something. You have to state why your child needs a place so much that their arguments should be discounted. So you can point out the 28 Vs 29 discrepancy and the knock on effect on the dining room. But your main argument needs to be "This school has xyz features that will benefit my child."

Bear in mind that there could be 20 children appealing for the school and if the panel decides the school's case is weak and they could accommodate, say, 5 children, they will compare all the arguments of the appellants to decide which 5 get in.

Yeah I’ve submitted my letter also stating the extra curricular activities the school offers aswell as sport facilities and different languages available. Aswell as the state of art design technology department also the Ks4 starting earlier.
The school has 6 appellants this year as I asked the question.
Am I right in thinking if first stage of appeal proves no prejudice the appeal won’t go to second stage?

Thanks for all your help

That's a lot of points why you want the school.
If you haven't already you may want to make sure you are clear why it is so important that your child takes advantage of them.

Why? Because sports makes no difference to an unsporty child.
Languages makes no difference to a child who has shown no interest/aptitude. Ditto art design.
A longer KS4 is interesting as I understand that Ofsted aren't so keen on that these days (cuts out choice in KS3 earlier). Why is it necessary for your child?

Yeah my child plays football and boxes competitively so the extra competition amongst 225 children in this year will benefit him other than the other school with a intake of 60 pupils.
My son learns french in ks2 and has taken to it well so would like the opportunity to learn more languages. Thanks

Am I right in thinking if first stage of appeal proves no prejudice the appeal won’t go to second stage?

If the first stage is a group hearing followed by individual hearings for the second stage it is possible the panel will decide to admit all appellants after the first stage. However, it is highly unlikely. Almost all such appeals go to the second stage.

If each case is heard individually, your appeal will definitely go to the second stage. The panel won't make any decisions on either stage until they have heard all the appeals.

Thanks for that I’m just wondering what I can say on second stage what I haven’t already said in my correspondence to the appeal already through my submissions thanks

Don't just read out your submission. Talk through the important points in your case. It may not add much, if anything, to what you have written but the panel would like to hear it from you. Remember that you will also be asked to sum up at the end of the hearing.

If you've already sent your arguments and you're happy that they are clearly stated, then there is no harm in saying 'Thank you for hearing our appeal. We don't have anything further to add.' - The panel will be grateful! In my experience, the panel chair often says "Do you have anything you would like to say that is in addition to your appeal documents, which we have already read and digested?" It certainly won't make you seem weak.

So basically just read out what I’ve submitted and it’s fine to read off a script? We weren’t offered a place on distance lost out on 100m I’ve requested the calculation used 3 times but still haven’t received it. Thanks

It is fine to read off a script but don't read what you've already submitted. The panel will have read that already.